Mayor Andreas Ramharter’s real estate company (List Zukunft Leobersdorf) sold the property for 15.25 million euros and received an extra 1.34 million through reallocation, reported “WZ”, “Falter” and ORF. When asked, Ramharter defended the deal and saw no bias. Criticism came from several quarters.
According to reports, Ramharter’s holding company acquired the land in 2021 and sold it to a building contractor in two tranches over the following two years. The contracts contained two so-called purchase price improvements in connection with reallocations until the end of 2024 on the meadow – most of which was already dedicated to building land. A strip along the federal highway dedicated to public traffic should become a building site for the operating area, and a second public traffic area should become a private road. Ramharter’s company committed to “actively pursue these rezonings in good faith and to support them in the best possible way,” as it was stated in both purchase agreements, according to the reports.
“Attempts to bring about dialogue failed”
The reallocations were carried out with local council resolutions in 2023 and this year in September, and the mayor himself also agreed. “As the market town of Leobersdorf, we have dealt with the issue of bias on several occasions and also pay very close attention to compliance with the relevant legal requirements,” said Ramharter, according to the reports. When asked on Wednesday, the mayor confirmed that there was no bias. He did not comment on purchase prices.
According to the media, the Mauthausen Memorial emphasized in a written statement: “Immediately after the planned use of the area for commercial purposes became known, the Mauthausen Memorial drew attention to the problem of commercial development.” But “repeated attempts to bring about a dialogue failed.”
“We handled it cleanly”
Ramharter, on the other hand, spoke of contact with the Mauthausen Memorial and the Federal Monuments Office: “We worked through it properly and always sought cooperation.” For example, ground radar surveys and explorations were carried out in the area. It was agreed not to build basements in order to preserve the foundations, said Ramharter. The designation as an operating area has existed for a long time. He also noted that several areas that served as camps during wartime had already been repurposed.
According to the reports, the Federal Monuments Office confirmed that it had held “discussions with stakeholders”. We have no influence on zoning. The area is not under monument protection. There are, among other things, the foundations of barracks on the grounds in Leobersdorf where the Hirtenberg concentration camp subcamp stood. “From the current perspective, these remains – even in comparison with other former, archaeologically identifiable camps that are under monument protection – are not sufficient within the meaning of the Monument Protection Act to place them under monument protection,” said the Federal Monuments Office, according to reports.
“Unbearable oblivion of history”
The SPÖ spokeswoman for the culture of remembrance, Sabine Schatz, described the construction plans on Wednesday as an “unbearable forgetfulness of history” and called for the project to be stopped. “Historical responsibility towards the victims of the Nazi era demands that these places be treated with respect,” said the member of the National Council in a broadcast. “The fact that profits were made by repurposing these areas has a very pale aftertaste.” She called for federal intervention to secure the site as a memorial site in the long term. SPÖ Federal Women’s Chairwoman Eva-Maria Holzleitner believes it is important to “carry on the memory of the fate of women under National Socialism.”
“What we are observing here is a frightening example of how historically sensitive land is dealt with when economic interests are in the foreground,” criticized Helga Krismer, club leader of the Lower Austria Green Party, in a press release. The planned construction project is “an example of the worrying development of spatial planning” in the state: “It is particularly worrying that there are always people profiting from this development in the mayor’s environment.” Krismer announced an application to amend the Lower Austrian Spatial Planning Act, which provides for a ban on development on historically contaminated properties.
“Need for action regarding control mechanisms”
NEOS state party leader Indra Collini saw “an enormous need for action in the control mechanisms within municipalities” as well as the need to think about a stricter values compass for mayors. “In the case of the Leobersdorf case, it will be necessary to examine exactly what the local council knew in this complex rezoning vote and what perhaps it did not,” she said in a broadcast.
“The questionable property deals show once again that there are massive structural problems in spatial planning,” WWF soil protection spokesman Simon Pories called for competence reforms as well as stricter laws and controls in a broadcast. In addition, it must be ruled out that mayors are allowed to work in the real estate or construction industry at the same time, because this opens the door to potential incompatibilities when rezoning.
The Future Leobersdorf list holds the absolute majority in the local council. In 2020, 53.30 percent was achieved. Local council elections will take place in Lower Austria in January 2025, and Ramharter will be the top candidate for the Future Leobersdorf list.
How is Mayor Ramharter addressing concerns about economic interests influencing the treatment of historical sites?
**Interview with Mayor Andreas Ramharter on the Controversial Construction Plans in Leobersdorf**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mayor Ramharter. There’s a lot of controversy surrounding the construction plans on the site of the former Hirtenberg concentration camp subcamp. Can you explain your perspective on this situation?
**Mayor Ramharter:** Thank you for having me. The designation of the area as an operating zone has been in place for quite a while, and we are adhering to established zoning laws. Our company acquired the land a couple of years ago, and it has already been designated for building purposes. I understand the sensitivity of the location, but we believe that we are handling this matter appropriately and with respect.
**Interviewer:** Many local and national officials, including SPÖ representatives, have labeled the project as an “unbearable forgetfulness of history.” How do you respond to these accusations?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I appreciate the importance of historical memory and the responsibility we have towards the victims of the Nazi era. However, we have worked closely with the Federal Monuments Office and engaged in dialogues with stakeholders, including the Mauthausen Memorial. We ensured that ground surveys were conducted and agreed not to build basements to preserve any existing remains. Our priority is to maintain respect for the history of the site while also addressing the needs of our community.
**Interviewer:** Critics have pointed out that economic interests seem to overshadow historical considerations. How do you justify the profits made from the sale and reallocation of this site in relation to its past?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I understand the concerns. However, our responsibility as local leaders is to balance various community needs, including economic development. The funds generated from this project can support local services and infrastructure, which ultimately benefits the residents of Leobersdorf. While there is certainly a delicate balance to strike, we are committed to approaching this project with transparency and integrity.
**Interviewer:** There are calls for stricter regulations regarding local governance, and some have suggested that mayors should not engage in real estate during their term. What is your stance on this suggestion?
**Mayor Ramharter:** I believe in the importance of ethics in governance. It’s vital to have clear regulations to avoid conflicts of interest. I can assure you that in my case, we have followed all legal requirements and protocols. However, I am open to discussions on improving our governance frameworks to maintain public trust.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what measures are you willing to take to ensure that this site is treated with the care and respect it deserves as a historical area?
**Mayor Ramharter:** We are committed to ongoing dialog with cultural organizations and historical bodies as we proceed. There’s potential for creating memorials or remembrance areas within the development to honor the memory of those who suffered in the past. We must ensure that history is not forgotten, and I’m committed to exploring all options to preserve the significance of this site.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mayor Ramharter, for your insights. It’s clear that this issue elicits strong feelings on both sides, and we appreciate you sharing your perspective.
**Mayor Ramharter:** Thank you for having me. It’s essential to keep this dialog open as we navigate these complex issues together.